Ford developing Web-savvy vehicles

Ford is exploring the capabilities of a car that is connected to the internet with AJ, a 2011 Ford Fiesta.

In May, a team of Ford engineers drove AJ from Ann Harbor, Michigan to San Mateo, California; along the way, AJ sent out Twitter messages describing the trip.

The software behind AJ is an app called the “Auto”matic Blog. On the trip, it tapped into available data on the car, such as location, speed, and acceleration. It also recorded information from the windshield wipers, steering input, and GPS data. AJ's software combined real-time traffic updates with weather reports and reported the information in a Twitter entry.

Ford is on track to add smartphone apps to its Sync-based cars later this year. The company has also announced it will enable other phone apps to connect to its cars.